The washing machine can have some problems, for example clogged or slow drains. When the appliance fails to effectively expel the water, soap residues, lint and grease or dirt coming off the laundry are often responsible. To fix this, you need to clean the drain pipe using chemicals or a plumber's probe. With a little time and effort you can fix your washing machine so that the water drains freely.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: with the Disgorganti
Step 1. Locate the drain
Generally this is the hose connected to the back of the machine from which the washing and rinsing water comes out. Sometimes this duct is firmly connected to the exhaust, while in other cases it is simply inserted.
Once you have located the drain, you need to recognize it by the hot and cold water lines entering the washing machine; these pipes should be smaller than the drain pipe and should be marked with red and blue clamps (hot and cold water respectively)
Step 2. Pour boiling water down the drain
If the washing machine expels the water slowly, it means that the drain is not completely blocked and boiling water could clean it; in this way you eliminate the soap and foam residues that reduce the lumen.
- If you usually set up washing cycles with very hot water, this remedy may not be effective, as you have already done it repeatedly; however, if you only wash your laundry in cold water, it's worth a try.
- In areas where winter temperatures drop below freezing, pipes can freeze and block due to ice; if you are worried that this has happened to you too, try pouring boiling water to restore the passage.
Step 3. Purchase a commercial drain cleaner
If the drain is clogged, you can clear it using a chemical; usually this type of substance is very effective against minor problems, but it has limitations when the duct is completely blocked.
When purchasing, check that it is a safe product for the pipes in your exhaust system; some harsh chemicals contain sulfuric acid which ruins PVC and is harmful to the environment
Step 4. Disconnect the tube
To use a commercial drain cleaner, you must disconnect the duct from the appliance and pour it directly into it. On some models the duct detaches simply by pulling; in other cases you have to unscrew it from the lower part of the back of the machine.
Know that some water will come out of both the hose and the washing machine
Step 5. Follow the instructions on the package
Generally you have to pour the product and then add very hot water; you also have to wait a certain period to allow the drain cleaner to act. Remember to rinse off once the chemical has done its job.
You must rinse the duct after the indicated time has elapsed; if you leave the drain cleaner to settle for too long, you can damage the pipes
Method 2 of 2: with a Plumber's Probe
Step 1. Detach the drain hose from the washing machine
If the obstruction has not dissolved with the chemicals, you must use a plumber's probe to clear it; this means that you have to disassemble the tube to be able to insert the tool.
- The duct connects to the back of the appliance; there should be a metal clamp on the joining site and you need to spread it out with a screwdriver.
- Water is most likely coming out of both the washing machine and the hose, so have a bucket and some towels handy. If the drain is so clogged that water remains standing in the washing machine, the chances of it leaking are even greater.
Step 2. Insert the probe into the drain
Once the tube is detached you can introduce the instrument, which is made up of a long sturdy metal wire and a handle that allows you to rotate it; you have to insert the probe in order to feel every block you encounter and move it. When you feel resistance, you should rotate the handle clockwise to allow the tool to collect all the dirt.
Plumber's probes are available in various lengths. The medium ones are 15-22 meters long and are perfect for housework on various types of obstructions, as they can reach good depths and are easier to handle than very long and large models
Step 3. Continue probing the drain until you have cleared any obstructions
It may be necessary to turn the handle several times before the material sticks to the probe. After a few rotations, take the tool out and clean it of any residue, insert it again and repeat the procedure to remove all the dirt. After clearing an area you should push the probe deeper and deeper to make sure there are no more blocks.
- While turning the handle, gently push and pull the probe; in this way, you capture more material and clear the duct.
- When you feel that the tube is free, take out the probe; to make sure the block is gone, you can pour water into the duct before putting it back on the appliance.
Step 4. Connect the hose
Once you have verified that the drain is clear, you should restore the connections and make sure you do a good job, otherwise there could be leaks.
